Sustiva package insert

Always review the complete Sustiva package insert before taking this medication. This document provides crucial information regarding dosage, potential side effects, and drug interactions. Pay close attention to the sections outlining potential allergic reactions, such as skin rashes or swelling, and report any such symptoms immediately to your doctor.

Remember that Sustiva is an antiretroviral drug used to treat HIV. Incorrect usage can lead to treatment failure and the development of drug-resistant HIV strains. Therefore, precise adherence to your prescribed dosage and schedule is paramount. Do not miss doses, and consult your physician before altering your medication regimen. The package insert contains a detailed dosage chart based on your weight and medical history.

Specific information regarding drug interactions is detailed within the package insert. Certain medications, including herbal remedies, can negatively affect Sustiva’s efficacy or increase the risk of adverse events. Before taking any new medication or supplement, consult your doctor or pharmacist to ensure compatibility with your Sustiva treatment. Always carry a copy of the package insert and your medication list with you. This will assist healthcare providers in providing the best possible care.

Sustiva Package Insert: A Detailed Overview

Always consult your doctor before starting, stopping, or changing your Sustiva (efavirenz) dosage. This medication treats HIV infection, but it doesn’t cure it.

Dosage and Administration

Typical adult dosage is 600 mg once daily, taken orally with or without food. However, adjustments might be necessary based on your individual health status and other medications you’re taking. Carefully follow your physician’s instructions.

Possible Side Effects

Sustiva can cause various side effects. Common ones include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and vivid dreams. Serious, though less frequent, reactions may include Stevens-Johnson syndrome and rash. Report any unusual symptoms immediately to your healthcare provider.

Drug Interactions

Medication	Interaction
Certain antihistamines	Increased risk of drowsiness
Some antidepressants	Potential for altered efficacy
Oral contraceptives	Reduced effectiveness

This table only highlights a few examples. Many other medications can interact with Sustiva. Provide your doctor with a complete list of all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you are using.

Precautions and Warnings

Sustiva isn’t recommended for pregnant women unless the benefits clearly outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. Furthermore, liver function tests should be conducted before and periodically during treatment to monitor liver health. If you experience severe liver problems, discontinue Sustiva and contact your physician.

Storage

Store Sustiva at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep it out of children’s reach.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

Overdose

Seek immediate medical attention in case of an overdose.

Specific Patient Information

This information is a summary and does not replace the complete package insert. Your healthcare provider can answer your individual questions and address your concerns.

What is Sustiva (Efavirenz) and What is it Used For?

Sustiva, containing the active ingredient efavirenz, is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). It works by blocking the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase enzyme, preventing the virus from replicating within your body. This, in turn, helps lower the viral load and strengthens your immune system.

How Sustiva Helps People with HIV

Sustiva is prescribed as part of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-1 infection in adults and children weighing at least 40 kg (88 lbs). It’s not a cure for HIV, but a crucial component of a treatment plan aimed at managing the virus, improving your health, and preventing the progression to AIDS.

Important Considerations Before Starting Sustiva

Before beginning Sustiva, inform your doctor about your entire medical history, including any pre-existing conditions like liver disease, mental health issues (particularly depression), seizures, or allergies. Sustiva can interact with other medications. Always provide your doctor with a complete list of medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you are taking to avoid potential harmful interactions. Your doctor will assess your suitability for this medication and monitor you closely during treatment.

Remember, Sustiva should always be part of a larger treatment plan guided by your doctor. Adherence to your prescribed medication regimen is critical to the success of your HIV treatment. Regular checkups and viral load monitoring are essential to track treatment progress and adjust medication if needed.

Dosage and Administration Guidelines for Sustiva

Sustiva (efavirenz) dosage depends on your specific needs and health status. Always follow your doctor’s instructions precisely.

Recommended Dosage for Adults with HIV-1 Infection:

The usual adult dose is 600 mg once daily, taken orally. This should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after a meal. This timing helps maximize absorption.

Important Considerations:

• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
• Food Interactions: Avoid taking Sustiva with food, especially grapefruit juice, as this can affect its absorption.
• Central Nervous System Effects: Sustiva can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and vivid dreams. These effects are usually more pronounced at the start of treatment and may lessen over time. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
• Other Medications: Inform your doctor of all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal remedies, as interactions are possible.

Dosage Adjustments:

Your doctor may adjust your dose based on your response to treatment and other medical conditions. Do not change your dosage without consulting your doctor first.

Specific Populations:

1. Children: Dosage for children is determined by weight and differs significantly from the adult dose. Consult your doctor for the appropriate pediatric dosage.
2. Patients with Liver or Kidney Disease: Dosage adjustments are necessary for patients with impaired liver or kidney function. Your doctor will determine the correct dose based on your individual condition.

This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance on using Sustiva.

Potential Side Effects and Adverse Reactions of Sustiva

Sustiva (efavirenz) can cause various side effects. Common reactions include dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea. These typically lessen over time, but inform your doctor if they persist or worsen significantly. A significant percentage of patients experience vivid dreams or nightmares; consider discussing management strategies with your physician if this significantly impacts your sleep or daily life.

Serious Side Effects

More serious, although less frequent, side effects include rash, liver problems, and serious mental health issues such as depression or suicidal thoughts. A rash may indicate a severe allergic reaction and requires immediate medical attention. Report any unusual changes in your mood, behavior, or mental state to your doctor immediately. Regular blood tests help monitor liver function; follow your doctor’s instructions meticulously for these tests.

Other Potential Reactions

Consider these additional possibilities: You may experience changes in your body fat distribution, peripheral neuropathy (numbness or tingling in extremities), or sleep disturbances beyond vivid dreams. These side effects have varying degrees of severity and frequency. If you notice anything unusual, discuss it with your healthcare provider promptly. Open communication ensures accurate monitoring and appropriate management. This information is not exhaustive; your physician can provide further details specific to your individual circumstances.

Medication Interactions

Sustiva interacts with other medications. Always inform your doctor about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, you’re taking before starting Sustiva. This prevents potential adverse interactions that can reduce the effectiveness of Sustiva or cause additional side effects. Be completely transparent with your doctor about your medication history.

Precautions and Contraindications for Sustiva Use

Before starting Sustiva, discuss these points with your doctor:

• Allergies: Report any allergies, especially to efavirenz or other antiretroviral medications.
• Liver problems: Sustiva may worsen existing liver issues. Regular liver function tests are necessary.
• Mental health: Sustiva can cause serious mental health side effects, including depression, suicidal thoughts, and psychosis. Immediately report any unusual changes in mood or behavior.
• Driving and operating machinery: Dizziness and drowsiness are possible side effects. Avoid driving or operating machinery if affected.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Sustiva can harm a developing fetus. Effective contraception is crucial. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking Sustiva.

Sustiva is contraindicated in patients with:

• Known hypersensitivity to efavirenz or any component of the formulation.
• Severe hepatic impairment.

Specific interactions with other medications exist. Always inform your physician of all medications, including herbal supplements, you are currently taking.

1. Drug interactions: Sustiva interacts with several medications. Your doctor needs a complete medication list to avoid dangerous interactions.
2. Alcohol: Avoid excessive alcohol consumption while taking Sustiva as it can worsen liver effects.

Monitor for side effects like rash, fatigue, nausea, and insomnia. Contact your doctor if these become bothersome or severe. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor your progress and manage potential side effects.

Drug Interactions with Sustiva: Important Considerations

Always inform your doctor about all medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins. This includes prescription drugs, even if you’re only taking them occasionally.

Specific Drug Interactions

Sustiva (efavirenz) interacts significantly with certain medications. Concurrent use with rifampin, for instance, may necessitate dose adjustments for both drugs to maintain effective levels. Similarly, the combination of Sustiva and certain anticonvulsants, such as carbamazepine and phenytoin, can alter their blood levels, potentially impacting their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Always discuss these interactions with your physician before combining Sustiva with any other drugs.

Combining Sustiva with certain protease inhibitors can lead to increased levels of both drugs. This elevation necessitates close monitoring of potential side effects. Your doctor might recommend blood tests to track drug concentrations and adjust dosages as needed to ensure safety and efficacy.

Grapefruit juice can interact negatively with Sustiva, altering its metabolism and leading to elevated blood levels. Avoid grapefruit juice while taking Sustiva.

This information is not exhaustive. Your healthcare provider can provide more detailed information on potential drug interactions specific to your medical history and current medications. Regular check-ups are vital for monitoring your response to therapy and managing any potential drug interactions.

Storage and Disposal Instructions for Sustiva

Store Sustiva tablets at room temperature, between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). Protect them from moisture and light.

Discard any unused medication according to your local regulations. Many pharmacies offer drug take-back programs. Check their websites or contact them directly for details. Alternatively, you can follow the instructions provided by the FDA or your state’s environmental protection agency for safe disposal of unused medications. You may also mix Sustiva with an undesirable substance (like kitty litter or used coffee grounds) before discarding in the trash to prevent accidental ingestion.

Never flush Sustiva down the toilet or pour it into a drain unless specifically instructed by your pharmacist or local waste management authorities. This protects the environment and public health.

Always keep Sustiva out of the reach of children and pets. Use a child-resistant container if available.

Check the expiration date printed on the bottle. Discard any medication that has passed its expiration date.